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A 61-year-old patient with cystic bronchiectasis and bronchial artery hyperplasia in the left lung was diagnosed with polymyositis-related interstitial lung disease. After nine months of immunosuppressive therapy, he developed unilateral autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (APAP) in the right lung with respiratory failure. After bronchial artery embolization to prevent massive hemoptysis, whole-lung lavage was performed using veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. His respiratory condition improved, and he was discharged from the hospital with supplemental oxygen. Three reported cases of APAP with polymyositis-related interstitial lung disease, including the present case, were all positive for anti-glycyl tRNA synthetase antibody and were under immunosuppressive treatment.

With recent advances in imaging technology, the frequency of detecting musculoskeletal lesions has also increased. Percutaneous image-guided needle biopsy is occasionally required for the diagnosis of such lesions. Moreover, in the era of personalized cancer care, chances in histopathological diagnosis and the importance of histopathological diagnosis by percutaneous needle biopsy are increasing. However, as percutaneous needle biopsy is not a common procedure for musculoskeletal lesions, careful planning and the application of adequate techniques such as hydrodissection and the trans-osseous approach are occasionally required. In this review, we have summarized the indications and techniques for percutaneous image-guided needle biopsy for musculoskeletal lesions, including lymphatic lesions.

Introduction Preoperative embolization for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) has a risk of spinal ischemia. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization in patients with MSCC and evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) angiography for the detection of the radiculomedullary arteries (RMA). Methods This retrospective study included 20 patients (12 men and 8 women; median age, 66 years), who underwent preoperative embolization before a decompression surgery, which corresponded to 22 embolization procedures. The detection ability of RMA was evaluated using angiography and selective CT angiography. Surgical data including intraoperative blood loss and transfusion were also evaluated. Results Six RMAs were identified at the levels of affected vertebrae and one level above and below in the diagnostic spinal angiography. In addition to spinal angiography, adjunctive selective CT angiography allowed visualization of another five RMAs. Overall, 11 RMAs were identified in 9 patients. Preoperative embolization was successfully achieved in all patients. As regards complications related to embolization procedure, palsy exacerbated in one patient (4.5%), which improved postoperatively. During the surgical procedure, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 353.4±254.2 mL without intraoperative transfusion in all patients. Conclusions The present study showed small amounts of intraoperative blood loss without any severe complications related to preoperative embolization. Selective CT angiography was a useful technique to detect RMAs and contributed to the safety of preoperative embolization.

Background This study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of hybrid treatment involving surgical resection and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for patients with multiple lung metastases. Methods Seventeen patients (6 men, 11 women; median age, 52 years; range, 16–78 years) underwent hybrid treatment involving surgery and radiofrequency ablation to treat multiple lung metastases (median number, 4; range, 2–26) between May 2014 and February 2020. The primary lesions were colorectal carcinoma (n = 9), uterine endometrial carcinoma (n = 3), osteosarcoma (n = 2), renal cell carcinoma (n = 1), glottic carcinoma (n = 1), and fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1). Twenty‐four sessions each of surgery and radiofrequency ablation were performed. Safety, disease‐free survival, and overall survival were evaluated. Safety was assessed according to the Clavien‐Dindo Classification. Results A grade IVa adverse event of empyema developed in one patient (4%, 1/24) after surgery. A grade IIIa adverse event of pneumothorax and a grade II adverse event of lung abscess occurred in four (17%, 4/24) and one session (4%, 1/24) after radiofrequency ablation, respectively. During the median follow up of 34 months (range, 8–67 months), 10 patients (59%, 10/17) developed new metastases. The 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was 32%. Four or fewer lung metastases (p = 0.008) and metastases from colorectal carcinoma (p = 0.02) were factors significantly associated with longer disease‐free survival. One patient (6%, 1/17) died of tumor progression 29 months after initial treatment. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 88%. Conclusions The strategy of hybrid treatment involving surgery and radiofrequency ablation may offer good outcomes for patients with multiple lung metastases., Hybrid therapy involving surgical resection and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for multiple lung metastases was effective, with 5‐year disease‐free and overall survival rates of 32% and 88%, respectively. Patients with four or fewer lung metastases and metastases from colorectal carcinoma appear to be good candidates for hybrid therapy.

Introduction Although several reports on the risk factors for severe disease of COVID-19 already exist, reports on effective early indicators are still limited, especially from Japan. This study was conducted to clarify the patient’s characteristics whose disease progressed to severe status. Methods The medical records of all consecutive 300 Japanese patients hospitalized at our institution between February and November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics were evaluated to compare between mild (no oxygen needed), moderate (oxygen needs of 1–4 L/min), and severe diseases (oxygen needs of 5 L/min or more). Results The median age was 68 years old, with 123 (41.0%) males and 177 (59.0%) females. Of these, 199 patients (66.3%), 55 patients (18.3%), 46 patients (15.3%) patients were in the mild disease, moderate disease, severe disease groups, respectively. Patients with severe disease were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities, and tended to have higher body mass index. In laboratory data, lymphocyte count, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), LDH, and AST on admission were significantly associated with the severity. In multivariate analysis, age and CRP were the independent risk factors for severe disease (OR = 1.050, 1.130, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for age was 74 years old and that for CRP was 3.15 mg/dL. Conclusions Age and CRP were independently associated with disease severity of COVID-19 in multivariate analysis. Additionally, the numbers of underlying disease, lymphocyte count, and inflammatory markers such as LDH and D-dimer may also be related to disease severity.

Background : : Malignant afferent loop syndrome occurs after biliary reconstruction and is difficult to treat because of the complicated anatomical changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous metallic stent placement for malignant afferent loop syndrome via the blind end of the jejunal limb after biliary reconstruction. Methods : : Percutaneous metallic stent placement via the jejunal limb was performed in five male patients (median age, 68 years; range, 51–88 years) with malignant afferent loop syndrome following pancreatoduodenectomy or bile duct resection with reconstruction at our institute from June 2009 to April 2019. Reconstruction was performed using a modified Child’s method or the Roux-en-Y method, and blind end of the jejunal limb was surgically fixed to the abdominal wall. Percutaneous drainage of the afferent loop was performed via the blind end of the jejunal limb. Subsequently, percutaneous metallic stent placement was performed via the same route. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were retrospectively evaluated. Results : : Percutaneous metallic stent placement via the blind end of the jejunal limb was successfully achieved in all six procedures. Additional metallic stent placement was performed due to tumor ingrowth in a patient. Drainage catheters were removed from three patients, clamped in one, and could not be removed in one. Clinical success was achieved in four patients (80%) without major complications. Conclusion : : Percutaneous metallic stent placement for malignant afferent loop syndrome via the blind end of the jejunal limb after biliary reconstruction could be a safe and effective procedure.

OBJECTIVES For successful nodule localization and appropriate surgical margin distances in pulmonary segmentectomy for patients with lung malignancies, the effectiveness and feasibility of preoperative marking using an indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture remain unclear. METHODS Patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy with (marking group, n = 69) and without (non-marking group, n = 265) preoperative marking at our institution from January 2013 to March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and compared in terms of surgical outcomes. All markings were performed using a fine needle to percutaneously inject an indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture under the guidance of computed tomography fluoroscopy. RESULTS Successful localization was achieved in 66 (96%) patients, of whom 62 (94%) underwent dye pigmentation and 4 (6%) underwent intraoperative fluoroscopy. On images, the marking group showed a significantly longer distance between the lung surface and tumour [mm, 9 (1–17) vs 0 (0–10); P CONCLUSIONS Thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy with preoperative marking using an indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture may be an acceptable therapeutic option for small malignancies located in deep lung parenchyma.

Although the use of corticosteroids is not recommended in the World Health Organization statement for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), steroid therapy may be indicated for critical cases in specific situations. Here, we report the successful treatment of 11 cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia with favipiravir and methylprednisolone. All cases were severe and patients required oxygen administration or had a blood oxygen saturation ≤93% on room air. All were treated with favipiravir and methylprednisolone, and 10 of 11 patients responded well and required no further oxygen supplementation or ventilator management. This study shows the importance of the early-stage use of a combination of favipiravir and methylprednisolone in severe cases to achieve a favorable clinical outcome.

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is defined as encapsulated necrotic tissue after severe acute pancreatitis. Treatment strategies for WOPN can be challenging. Although open surgical necrosectomy is the standard treatment for WOPN, it is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic necrosectomy, introduced recently, is a treatment option that produces lower rates of morbidity than does open surgery. We report a case of severe WOPN that could not be treated with the usual procedures. Although endoscopic necrosectomy of the left subphrenic and prepancreatic spaces was technically impossible, these spaces could be percutaneously drained. Finally, sufficient drainage of these spaces was achieved with endoscopic necrosectomy through the internal lumen of the self-expandable metallic stent placed percutaneously. This procedure was performed by an endoscopist and an interventional radiologist, and the multidisciplinary approach was useful.

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of ureteral stent placement using the rendezvous technique for the treatment of postoperative ureteral complications in cancer patients. From January 2005 to April 2015, 19 patients (2 men and 17 women; median age, 59; range, 42–79 years old) with unilateral ureteral lesions (ureteral leakages in 6, strictures in 4, and both in 9) underwent ureteral stent placement using the rendezvous technique. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed, and stent placement was attempted via antegrade and retrograde approaches. The technical success, procedure-related complications, and clinical success were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up period was 29.8 months (range, 0.3–116.5 months). The ureteral stent placement was successful in 17 out of 19 patients (89.5%). Double J ureteral stent was used in 6 patients, and straight catheter as an internal–external nephro-ureteral stent was used in 11 patients. The rendezvous technique was used in the retroperitoneal space and urinary tract in 6 and 11 patients, respectively. No major complications related to the rendezvous technique occurred. Finally, 4 patients achieved stent-free condition (21.1%), and periodic stent exchange was continued in 9 (47.4%). However, permanent external drainage and surgical reconstruction were needed in 4 (21.1%) and 2 (10.5%) patients, respectively. The final clinical success rate was 68.4% (13 out of 19 patients). Ureteral stent placement using the rendezvous technique for the treatment of postoperative ureteral complications in cancer patients is safe and may be alternative to permanent external drainage and invasive surgical reconstruction. Level 4, Case series.

The present report describes a case of a 68-year-old male patient with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). After cytotoxic chemotherapy of three regimens following 22 months of treatment with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), including osimertinib, the patient underwent S-1 treatment. Despite a decrease in carcinoembryonic antigen 1 month after initiating S-1 treatment, the patient developed cardiac tamponade. The evaluation of pericardial effusion confirmed small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) transformation. Subsequently, a combination therapy of carboplatin and etoposide was administered, which led to a marked improvement in imaging. In patients with NSCLC who develop pericardial effusion after long-term EGFR-TKI therapy, including osimertinib treatment, it is important to investigate whether SCLC transformation occurs or not as a treatable entity.

To evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on lung tumors1 cm in maximum diameter.Twenty-eight patients (12 male, 16 female; median age, 59 years; mean age, 58 ± 16 years; range, 16-78 years) who underwent RFA for lung tumors1 cm in diameter between November 2009 and September 2018 were included in this study. Thirty-five tumors (median size, 8.4 mm; mean size, 7.7 ± 1.9 mm; range, 3.6-9.9 mm) were treated with 33 sessions of RFA. Technique efficacy and safety were subsequently evaluated. Initial and secondary technique efficacy were defined as complete ablation without residual tumor or local tumor progression after initial and repeat RFA, respectively. Safety was evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0.Residual tumor remained for 1 tumor (3%, 1/35) and local tumor progression was found in 2 tumors (6%, 2/35). Initial technique efficacy rate was therefore 91% (32/35). The remaining 3 tumors were treated by repeat RFA (secondary technique efficacy rate: 100%, 35/35). Initial technique efficacy rate was significantly lower for tumors treated with starting energy ≥ 20 W (P = 0.02) and showing a quick increase in tissue impedance (P = 0.01). There were 4 grade 2 adverse events (12%, 4/33) comprising pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement, and 14 grade 1 adverse events comprising self-limiting pneumothorax (36%, 12/33) and pulmonary parenchymal hemorrhage (6%, 2/33).To achieve good outcomes for lung tumors1 cm, radiofrequency energy should be started at20 W. Application of manual mode ablation might be considered when delivery of power cannot be continued due to a quick increase in tissue impedance.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted as a minimally invasive therapeutic treatment for liver malignancies. Although RFA is usually applied for the treatment of small liver tumors (3 cm), several technical developments have expanded the use of RFA. RFA is now used for the treatment of large liver tumors, and the number of complications associated with this treatment has decreased. These refinements may ultimately lead to better long-term prognosis. Here, we review recent refinements of liver RFA and provide technical tips.

Introduction: Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is a feasible treatment for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with unresectable liver metastases. Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess HAIC of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) in patients with unresectable liver metastases from CRC refractory to standard systemic chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 137 patients (85 men, 52 women; median age, 62 years; with KRAS mutation, n = 57) were recruited from seven institutions from September 2008 to December 2015. These patients were refractory to systemic chemotherapy including three cytotoxic agents (fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) with two molecular-targeted agents (bevacizumab and epidermal growth factor receptor antibody [cetuximab or panitumumab]). All patients underwent HAIC of continuous 5FU for unresectable liver metastases. Overall survival time, time to treatment failure, objective response rate, disease control rate, and incidence of adverse events to HAIC were assessed retrospectively. Results: The median overall survival time was 4.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0–5.7 months), whereas time to treatment failure was 2.4 months (95% CI, 2.0–2.8 months). The objective overall response rate and disease control rate were 12.4 and 64%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were observed in 2.9% of the patients (hyperbilirubinemia in 2, liver abscess in 1, and myelosuppression in 1). Conclusions: There were few incidences of severe adverse events to HAIC of 5FU for liver metastases from CRC refractory to standard systemic chemotherapy. Therefore, it might present as a treatment option as last-line chemotherapy.

To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes between percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PGBD) and percutaneous gallbladder aspiration (PGBA) for acute cholecystitis after biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction. Twenty-six and 14 patients underwent PGBD and PGBA, respectively, for acute cholecystitis after biliary stenting for malignant obstruction. The technical success rate, clinical effectiveness, and safety were compared between the 2 groups. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Clinical effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the PGBD group than in the PGBA group [100% (26/26) vs. 57% (8/14), p

One of the novel PD-1 antibodies/immune checkpoint inhibitors, nivolumab is reported to be associated with a wide range of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We hereby report a case of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency developing in a patient with squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) during nivolumab therapy. Case: A 79-year-old man with SCC was started on nivolumab therapy as a fifth-line treatment after 4 lines of cytotoxic anticancer therapy. After 20 courses of nivolumab therapy, he had nausea, appetite loss, and difficulty walking. A close laboratory examination led to the diagnosis of isolated ACTH deficiency in this patient. Hydrocortisone replacement therapy led to amelioration of his symptoms and allowed him to continue with nivolumab therapy. The present case of isolated ACTH deficiency was characterized by a slowly progressive decline in the serum sodium level, which became manifest well before appearance of any clinical symptoms, suggesting that the serum sodium level may be used to predict progression to isolated ACTH deficiency.Thus, not only serum sodium levels need to be monitored in patients suspected of having isolated ACTH deficiency, but ACTH and cortisol levels need to be monitored in those exhibiting a decline in serum sodium levels. Again, nivolumab-induced isolated ACTH deficiency needs to be appropriately diagnosed and treated to ensure that patients continue with, and maximize survival benefit from, nivolumab therapy. Keywords: Nivolumab, Isolated ACTH deficiency, Lung cancer, Anti-PD-1-antibody, Immune checkpoint inhibitors

Objectives/hypothesis The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of transarterial embolization (TAE) for bleeding in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and to evaluate the prognostic factors after TAE. Study design Outcome study. Methods This retrospective study included 31 consecutive patients (27 men and 4 women; median age, 61 years) who presented uncontrollable hemorrhage associated with HNC and underwent emergency TAE at our institution during a 10-year period (January 2011-December 2020). This corresponded to 40 TAE procedures, including 27 cases with an unstable status (circulatory and/or respiratory insufficiency) and 10 cases with carotid blowout syndrome. The technical success rate and adverse events were analyzed on a per-procedure basis. The rebleeding and overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed on a per-patient basis, and the factors related to OS were evaluated. Results The technical success rate was 100%. As an adverse event, cerebral infarction was found in three cases with carotid blowout syndrome. The rebleeding rate at 30 days after TAE and in the follow-up period (range, 9-3,004 days) was 17.2% and 35.5%, respectively. The median survival time was 263 days (95% confidence interval: 124.0-402.0 days). In the log-rank test, complete remission (CR) of the primary cancer at the time of the first TAE was identified as a significant influencing factor of survival. Conclusion TAE is effective for the treatment of hemorrhage associated with HNC even in patients with an unstable status. Patients with CR can gain a long life span. Level of evidence Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Background The serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) level is a predictive factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The development of ARDS has been reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to determine whether serum KL-6 levels are associated with mortality and severity in patients with COVID-19. Methods Among 361 Japanese patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center between February 2020 and December 2020, 356 patients with data on serum KL-6 levels were enrolled and their medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Results A negative correlation was observed between KL-6 levels and the ratio of the arterial partial pressure of oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen on admission. The KL-6 levels on admission and the maximal KL-6 levels were higher in patients with severe disease (n = 60) than in those with nonsevere disease (n = 296). Furthermore, the maximal KL-6 levels were higher in nonsurvivors (n = 6) than in survivors (n = 350). In nonsurvivors, the KL-6 levels increased as the disease progressed. The optimal cutoff value of the maximal KL-6 level for discriminating between survivors and nonsurvivors was 684 U/mL, with a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 90.5%, and an area under the curve of 0.89. Conclusions The serum KL-6 level was associated with disease severity. Patients with KL-6 levels ≥684 U/mL had a significantly poorer outcome than those with KL-6 levels

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recognized as a worldwide pandemic. However, the clinical course of COVID-19 remains poorly characterized. Although some cases of pneumothorax have been reported, they all had pulmonary complications or were managed with mechanical ventilation. We herein report a case of pneumothorax that developed even though the patient had no pulmonary underlying diseases and had never been managed with mechanical ventilation. In the present case, a lung bulla was found on chest computed tomography during treatment for COVID-19. We concluded that COVID-19 affected the formation of the lung bulla and induced the complication of pneumothorax.

Background Although a mixture of pigments and radiopaque materials was reported to be useful material for lung nodule localization, the optimal combination has not been well investigated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of various combinations of pigments and radiopaque materials for localization of pulmonary nodules prior to video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods We compared stability, viscosity, and visibility of 6 radiopaque dye materials of (I) mixture of indigo carmine and lipiodol; (II) mixture of indigo carmine, lipiodol, and lidocaine gel; (III) mixture of indocyanine green in water solution (w-ICG) and lipiodol; (IV) mixture of w-ICG, lipiodol, and lidocaine gel; (V) ICG in contrast medium solution (cm-ICG); and (VI) mixture of cm-ICG and lidocaine gel. Stability was evaluated by observing changes in the mixtures in the test tube with time visually and radiographically. Viscosities were measured by rotational viscometer. Materials were injected into an expanded pig-lung phantom, and area on CT and visibility on thoracoscopy camera were evaluated. Results Separation could be seen 15 min after preparation in (I) and (III), and 1 h after preparation in (II), both visually and radiographically. In (IV), separation could be seen on the photographs but not on the X-ray images from 3 h after preparation. (V) and (VI) showed no changes within the 2-day observation period. The viscosities of the materials were (I) 0.2±0.1, (II) 2.9±0.1, (III) 0.2±0.1, (IV) 2.6±0.1, (V) 0.2±0.1, and (VI) 1.2±0.1 dPa·s. The area on CT showed very strong negative correlation with viscosity (r=-0.97). The injection point of each material was easily detected on thoracoscopy camera. Conclusions Radiopaque dye materials appear useful for localizing pulmonary nodules before VATS; their diffusion in the lung parenchyma can be suppressed by using materials of high viscosity.